Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY331988 Unique Reference Number 27 October 2006 Inspection date Denys Rasmussen Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

p.2

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

p.2

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since May 2006. She lives with her two children aged 11 and six years. They live in a house in a residential area of Upper Norwood. The family do not have any pets. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes and one bedroom upstairs. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children. There are currently three children on roll aged from 10 months to five years. The childminder has an early years qualification.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder ensures that children suffering from an infectious illness do not attend. This helps to protect children from illness and infection through effective practice. The children are

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 cared for in a warm, comfortable home where they learn about personal hygiene through the daily routine such as washing their hands before mealtimes. Children benefit from nutritious meals that ensure their individual dietary needs are met as the childminder takes account of the children's likes and dislikes as well as any special dietary requirement. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and understands the correct procedures to follow for recording accidents and medication which supports children's health and safety.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in in a range of activities both indoors and outdoors that contribute to their health and physical development such as walking to and from school and visiting local parks to play ball. Children's health is well supported as the childminder gives high priority to children's well-being by building secure relationships and taking detailed information about the child's individual needs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Parents and children are greeted in a warm and enthusiastic manner which helps the home to be welcoming. There are soft furnishings to relax on and the home is comfortably warm. Although the equipment and play resources are safe, there is not enough variety, particularly of role play equipment. This means children's choices are limited.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to move freely and safely around the home because the childminder takes effective steps to reduce potential hazards. For example, there are restrictors on the windows and all sockets are covered. The risk of accidents outside the home is reduced because the childminder is conscientious about ensuring children are safe on outings. For example, she uses a double buggy and helps the children to begin to understand how to keep themselves safe when outdoors. She talks to the children about road safety, encouraging them to cross at crossings and wait for the green man before crossing the road.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder recognises her responsibility towards the children in her care and understands the child protection procedures she must follow if concerned about a child's welfare.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children respond well to the childminder's positive interactions which enables them to develop their language and social skills. They receive strong support and encouragement and develop a good sense of belonging through the childminder being interested in their life and caring for their siblings. There is a consistent routine which helps children to feel secure.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are offered a range of activities such as play mobile, mobilo, Lego, singing and play dough. However, there are limited resources to encourage the children to role play and enjoy art and craft. Children are walked to and from school and visit local parks, this promotes their physical development and enjoyment of the outdoors. Children learn to be independent when the childminder asks them to take their plates to the kitchen and put on their own clothes. The children are comfortable in the childminder's company and make themselves 'at home'.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder works closely with the parents to identify the children's routines and individual needs to ensure they settle well and experience appropriate care. The childminder spends time getting to know the children and parents well with her warm and down to earth approach. There is no written consent to seek emergency medical advice or attend outings. However, the childminder has discussed this with the parents and gained verbal consent. When interviewed, parents stated they were very satisfied with the childminding service and particularly appreciated the childminder's flexibility and approachable nature.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because of the childminder's good example. Her calm and supportive interaction ensures the children respond to her and learn to respect one another. The childminder has a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment and is willing to talk to outside agencies to ensure children in her care receive appropriate support. Children are introduced to their local community through daily outings. Children learn to value each other's differences by the childminder's good example and positive interaction.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised and comfortable environment which helps them gain confidence and feel secure. Children's play opportunities are not exploited fully as there is limited opportunities to engage in role play or art and craft activities. Children's needs are met because of the good relationships and effective communication with the parents. Parents are well informed about their child's day and the care provided. Most of the required records are in place and shared with parents. However, written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice and to attend outings has not been obtained. This means some parental wishes are not formally recorded. The childminder is professional in her outlook and has attended training to ensure her practice is kept up-to-date. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there has been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure parents give written consent for children to attend outings and to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. • increase play resources to provide more opportunities for children to be involved in role play and art and craft activities.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.5